The intent is stated as:[0] The GNU Affero General Public License is a modified version of the ordinary GNU GPL version 3. It has one added requirement: if you

The intent is stated as:[0] The GNU Affero General Public License is a modified version of the ordinary GNU GPL version 3. It has one added requirement: if you run the program on a server and let other users communicate with it there, your server must also allow them to download the source code corresponding to the program that it's running. If what's running there is your modified version of the program, the server's users must get the source code as you modified it. I'm assuming MongoDB's interpretation comes from Section 13: Notwithstanding any other provision of this License, if you modify the Program, your modified version must prominently offer all users interacting with it remotely through a computer network (if your version supports such interaction) an opportunity to receive the Corresponding Source of your version by providing access to the Corresponding Source from a network server at no charge, through some standard or customary means of facilitating copying of software. Which is pretty clear: this only applies to modified works. Further, under Section 2: You may make, run and propagate covered works that you do not convey, without conditions so long as your license otherwise remains in force. where "convey" is defined in Section 0 as: To "convey" a work means any kind of propagation that enables other parties to make or receive copies. Mere interaction with a user through a computer network, with no transfer of a copy, is not conveying. So there is an inconsistency between the stated intent of the AGPL, and what the license actually states. I'll ask FSF/RMS for clarification. [0]: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/why-affero-gpl.html https://www.gnu.org/licenses/why-affero-gpl.html